Removing screw from laptop, other end is loose and just spins

XistenZ

Distinguished
Jan 19, 2014
174
1
18,765
I'm removing a keyboard from a laptop, but the screw just spins. I'm assuming the other end where the screw is supposed to attach is loose because what else could it be?

How do I fix that? I can't get to the loose part because the keyboard I'm removing is in the way. Horrible situation
 
Loosen all the other screws and it may lift out if the screw is screwed into a plastic post that has broken off the main plastic casting.

If that's not the case then use a fine flat head screw driver to get under the head of the screw and pry up while turning the screw with another screw driver. Prying up may pull whatever is on the other end up against something that will hold it while the screw is unscrewed.

Otherwise, you'll have to disassemble the other side so you can get to whatever is on the other end of the screw.
 
I've loosened all other screws, this is the last one left. There's not enough room to get another object in under the screw, it's in a hole just big enough to fit the head. I've tried lifting the keyboard from the end that I can get up, to try as you said, get it against something but it won't work.
I don't really want to drill, which I assume is the last resort. I'm afraid I might misalign the drill and just go through the CPU or something.